| Lower School Lead Teacher Open Window is a K-8 school and the only independent school on Seattle’s Eastside dedicated to meeting the needs of intellectually gifted students. This is a rare opportunity for a talented, innovative, energetic, experienced teacher to implement a program that is at once, challenging, stimulating, and nurturing. Our faculty members enjoy a climate of superb collaboration and professional dialogue in fulfillment of our school’s Core Values: Teaching - We have passionate, caring teachers who "get" gifted children. Authenticity - We challenge, support, and trust students to do real work that matters and has an impact beyond the classroom. Love of Learning - We engage our students' curiosity, cultivate their passions, and encourage intellectual risk-taking within a supportive peer group. Social and Emotional Learning - We support the unique needs of gifted students through an intentional program of social and emotional learning. Community - Open Window is a diverse and welcoming community, united in supporting our children and families. In general, Lower School classrooms have 18-20 students, a Lead Teacher, and an Associate Teacher. There are two classes per grade level: kindergarten through fourth grade. Lead Teachers work collaboratively and with the assistance of the Associate Teachers. During the 2020-2021 school year, primary classrooms (grades K-1) have 9-10 students with one Lead Teacher. Classrooms accommodate a wide range of skills through whole group, small group, and differentiated instruction. Students typically work one year or more beyond grade level. Students in Lower School also attend classes by specialist teachers in music, art, drama, movement and physical education, science, drama, Spanish and technology. Our goals are to help students develop their academic, social, and emotional skills in a classroom environment that is developmentally responsive to their strengths and needs. Teachers will need to be prepared to teach in Distance Program Mode (DPM) as well as Hybrid Program Mode (HPM) throughout the year. DPM is a fully remote program with daily synchronous and asynchronous time with students. HPM is a combination of teaching students in person on campus (with appropriate safety measures in place) and supporting students at home when they are learning remotely. We use our Learning Management System (LMS) to connect with students and families about the weekly schedules and assignments while teaching on various platforms such as Zoom, SeeSaw, Flipgrid, Loom, and more. Flexibility and adaptability with technology is a must as are excellent communication skills both to collaborate with colleagues and to share information with students and families. Daily updates on the LMS as well as individual check-ins will be vital to the success of the program. To support the school’s Diversity Commitment, in which we embrace both our commonalities and complex range of differences that enrich our school, exceptional candidates have experience working with a culturally diverse community. Strong candidates have successfully demonstrated: - Three (3) or more years successful lead teaching
- A Degree in Elementary Education
- Understanding of the academic, social, and emotional needs of gifted students
- Differentiating instruction - preferably in an independent school setting
- A desire to teach collaboratively and with flexibility
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
The following are not required, but would enhance a candidate’s application: - Valid teaching certificate from Washington or another state
- Responsive Classroom experience and/or training
- Experience utilizing 1:1 technology in the classroom
- Bridges in Mathematics experience and/or training
Compensation & Benefits: This is an exempt, faculty position, not eligible for overtime. Work schedule, , is generally 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Tuesdays until 5:00 PM for faculty meetings. Teachers may be requested to attend other events, such as overnight field trips, Saturday Admissions visits, and/or leading or officiating auxiliary program practices, games, or competitions. Based on the expected duration and FTE, this position is eligible for Medical & Dental benefits. This temporary position is not eligible for Life, LTD, HRA/FSA & retirement benefits. Pay is commensurate with education and experience. Please consult the Open Window School Lead Teacher Salary Schedule on the careers page of https://www.openwindowschool.org/about/career-opportunities Please submit a cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for this position, your resume, and answers to the Diversity Commitment Questions below. Applicants must submit an answer to both of the following Diversity Commitment Questions as a single word or pdf document: - Describe how you have demonstrated a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in your current or prior job. If necessary, candidates can draw upon their experience in community organizations if professional experience is limited.
- Describe a time when you were in the minority (in thought or person). How has this or other situations affected the way in which you participate when you are in a diverse group?
Please be prepared to provide 3-5 professional references and one personal reference if requested. If you are unable to apply online, you are welcome to fax your resume, cover letter, and answers to the Diversity Commitment Questions to 425-644-6320. Open Window School does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, color, religion, creed, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, or other status legally protected by local, state, or federal law. We encourage minority applicants and applicants with non-traditional backgrounds to apply. |